Comte Armand Vertical Tasting and Dinner at Wine Garage - 18 Mar 06

After slogging hard at Orchid Country Club at 36 deg cel, the flight of 4 (Ric, Royce, Andy and I) rushed back home to change up so that we can join the dinner in town.

Here's a brief summary from the wine guru, Andy aka golf buddy and drinking mate :

This historical property comes from southern Burgundy, Pommard. Few could challenge the history significance of Domaine Comte Armand, Clos-des-Epeneaux estate, where their family roots date back to the 1850s. Today, the fourth generation owner, Vicomte Gabriel Armand is most of his time based in Paris, while the domaine, is in the capable hand of their new régisseur, Benjamin LEROUX, which succeeded the equally highly illustrated predecessor, Pascal Marchand. So far. is the only grand cru in the south.

This domaine, Comte Armand, Clos-des-Epeneaux from Côte-de-Beaune, where their vineyard lies in the prime location between Grand Epenots and Petits Epenots, is considered by those authorities as the finest parcel of land in all Pommard. The enclosed wall, with vine age between 35-70 year-old has produces some of the most sophisticated and mineral-scented Pommard that is unparallel by it peers.

The following is a list of vintages from this great domaine and notes provided during tasting :

• 1990 Pommard 1er Cru "Clos des Epeneaux" Rated 94 points by Parker; color is black/ purple. nose super ripe black fruits and intense concentration. chewy and powerful tannins in a long finish. A bit heavy for me though.
• 1995 Pommard 1er Cru "Clos des Epeneaux" Rated 88-91 points by Parker; very well balanced, thick textured and full bodied.
• 1998 Pommard 1er Cru "Clos des Epeneaux" Rated 87 points by Burghound; a bit rustic with a nice pinot noir sap. I like this one - easy to drink.
• 2001 Pommard 1er Cru "Clos des Epeneaux" Rated 93 points by Burghound; not overly tannic and a velvet sap. Nice!
• 2002 Pommard 1er Cru "Clos des Epeneaux" Rated 92 points by Burghound; pinot in character and plenty in structure.
• 2003 Pommard 1er Cru "Clos des Epeneaux" Rated 92 points by Burghound; huge concentrated plumy flavours.
• 2002 Pommard "Les Petits Noizons" de la Vougeraie Rated 88-91 by Tanzel. Solid tannins that avoid dryness. Fat, sweet, mouthfilling flavors.

There was also a Pommard from de la Vougeraie, where the former winemaker of Comte Armand, Pascal Marchand is currently resides to give you a comparative tasting among the both winemakers.

We had a 4-course dinner that is specially prepared by Wine Garage resident Chef, Travis Masiero.